The CEO of a large advertising firm in New York City lived in a stylish apartment on the upper Eastside during the week and retreated to his home in the Hamptons on weekends. One night he invited one manager that was transferring to New York from a branch office to come to his apartment for dinner.

During the dinner the manager noticed certain signs of intimacy between the CEO and his housekeeper. To make matters worse, the CEO had spotted the manager’s concerns in his body language and attitude.

“I can see that you are somewhat concerned about my relationship with the housekeeper,” said the CEO. “I assure you that our relationship is strictly professional.”

A few days later the CEO is having a quiet dinner alone in his apartment and went to grab for the salt shaker. Asking the housekeeper where the salt shaker could be she told him that it had been missing since the manager had been over for dinner.

The CEO sent an email to the manager saying, “I noticed after your visit that the salt shaker was missing. Not saying that you did take it for that you did not take it but my housekeeper is wondering if you did take it.”

A couple of hours later the CEO received a return email showing how clever the manager was.

As Aesop established hundreds of years ago with his timeless fables we remember words best when we become engaged in a story. Max has compiled an anecdotal story collection designed to generate “ah-ha” moments during coaching sessions, presentations, and meetings. Click here to see more.